Since hardwood floors are an investment, you probably want to care for them in the best way possible. Even if you didn’t install them yourself, keeping them in prime shape maintains value in your home, not to mention beautiful hardwood floors add a dramatic flair to the overall look of a house.
First and foremost, caring for hardwood floors means keeping them free of debris such as dirt and rocks. Even fine dirt, such as indoor plant soil, can scratch the floor if it’s not removed right away. Keeping on top of sweeping is imperative as it helps avoid scratches that wear down the floor and, over time, make it look old and neglected. Of course, sweeping and vacuuming are not all that hardwoods need. They also require a deep cleaning from time to time using cleaners made especially for hardwood floors.
What is the best cleaner to use, though? There are many hardwood floor cleaners on the market, and even those who prefer a more natural blend have a range of choices. Whether you prefer homemade or traditional store-bought cleaners, you may have to do a little experimenting to find the formula that works best for your home. Here are a few top choices in both categories.
Store Bought Cleaners
Bona Hardwood Floor Cleaner
If you have people regularly running over your hardwoods with their shoes on, this may be the cleaner for you. In a Good Housekeeping test, this formula was very impressive at eliminating soil and the scuff marks left by shoes. It also happens to be the NBA’s choice for cleaning their hardwoods. For those who prefer an unscented formula, Bona makes a ‘Free and Simple’ version (free of dyes and fragrance) that performs just as well.
Eco Me Wood Polish and Cleaner
If you’re looking for a more natural store bought product, look no further than Eco Me Wood Polish and Cleaner. It’s formulated without petro chemicals and uses plant based oils to battle bacteria and leave an impressive shine. Even better, Eco Me products are tested to be safe for both humans and pets and are made in the U.S.
Pledge FloorCare Wood Squirt & Mop
Anyone with a large hardwood surface to cover should check out Pledge FloorCare Wood cleaner. This cleaner can be squirted directly on the floor to save time and improve its cleaning power. Amazon reviewers regularly give positive reviews and cite that this cleaner leaves their hardwood floors with a brilliant shine.
Homemade Cleaners
PopSugar’s Glowing Goodness Homemade Wood Floor Cleaner
PopSugar’s simple recipe consists of vinegar, water, castile soap, rubbing alcohol, and essential oils. The solution is said to safely and effectively clean floors without leaving any streaky residue. It can be mixed up and poured into a spray bottle for easy dispensing directly onto the floor or blended in a bucket to use with a mop.
LoveToKnow’s Black Tea Solution
According to LoveToKnow, hardwood floors can also be cleaned and polished with a black tea solution. To make the basic cleaner, simply boil four cups of water and add 3 bags of black tea. After steeping for approximately 10 minutes, the tea bags can be removed and the solution is ready to be used on your wood floors. Apparently, the tannic acid in the tea shines the floors and rids them of damaging residue.
As you can see, there are multiple ways to keep your hardwood floors looking clean and sparkling. Luckily, none of them are overly time consuming or complex. Choose the method that works best for you and you’ll be enjoying your stunning hardwoods for many years to come.
